State Fair Scams

(Pierre) – Attorney General Mark Barnett wants fair-goers to be aware of shady businesses that set up camp at state and local fairs.

Companies will set up booths and advertise that they are giving away great prizes. Often the company has no intention of giving a prize, but simply wants people to sign up for it. The companies will then use the names and addresses they gathered to build a mailing list.

“Most of the booths at the fairs represent honest businesses, but there are a few good indicators of whether or not a business is legitimate,” said Barnett. “If the booth doesn’t have a company name on it or is unmanned, there’s a good chance it isn’t entirely on the up and up.”

Barnett also said to be wary of booths that boast generic prizes but don’t offer any details.

“If a sign says “free trip” but no one can give you the details, then you’re probably dealing with a shady company. If you give them your information, you can bet they’ll be calling you,” commented Barnett.

For more information, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-300-1986 or consumerhelp@state.sd.us.  

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